Rolex Oyster Perpetual

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SKU AS02447
SKU AS02447

Why We Love it

The Rolex Explorer is without question one of the most historically important vintage watches, due to its fascinating connection to the greatest feat in mountaineering: Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s summit of Everest in 1953.

In fact, it could be said that the history of the Explorer began when the two mountaineers stood on the summit of the world’s tallest mountain. As they took photographs and buried offerings in the snow, at least one of them wore a Rolex on his wrist. Rolex had been outfitting expeditions like the one in which Norgay and Hillary took part for several years, and had approached them with a run of simple Oyster Precisions before they set out for the Himalayas. 

It was only after their summit, when Norgay and Hillary were back at sea level and word got out of their historic feat, that Rolex christened the line as the Explorer.

Thus, the watch that Norgay might have worn—a watch like this one—has gone down in history as a “pre-Explorer.”

This particular Oyster Precision is a Reference 6298, judged by experts on vintage Rolex to be among one of those “pre-Explorers.” It features a semi-bubbleback design, so-called due to the protruding case back, necessary to accommodate the automatic movement. The Reference 6298 was the first pre-Explorer to feature the classic “3-6-9” dial layout that aficionados of the Explorer have come to know and love.

With gorgeous (Radium!) lume and a heavy patina to the dial (including some Radium burns), it’s a memento of man’s ability to conquer the world through hard work, grit and determination—plus, timeless style and panache.

A:S Guarantee

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Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Shipping & Returns

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All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual

Rolex Oyster Perpetual

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Rolex Oyster Perpetual

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